Ferrari F80 Review: 1,183HP Hybrid Supercar with Revolutionary V6 Engine

By replacing the long-standing naturally aspirated V12 with a compact, twin-turbo 120° V6 hybrid system, Ferrari has embraced race-derived electrification while preserving the visceral performance buyers expect from Maranello's top model.

This strategic shift prioritizes both environmental responsibility and cutting-edge performance.

The engineering decision matters for two critical reasons: emissions compliance and packaging efficiency.

The F80 leverages motorsport developments, most notably technology related to the 499P Le Mans programme, to extract higher performance from fewer cylinders without diluting the driving experience.

Heart of the Beast: F163CF Hybrid Powertrain

The F80's heart is the F163CF — a compact 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged 120° V6 that revs to an impressive 9,200 rpm. This high-revving configuration maintains Ferrari's tradition of motorsport-inspired engine characteristics while embracing modern forced induction.

Operating independently, this engine produces 888 bhp, aided by advanced e-turbo technology designed to eliminate turbo lag and sharpen throttle response. The electric assistance ensures immediate power delivery across the entire rev range.

Electrification seamlessly complements the V6 architecture: a rear MGU-K unit harvests and deploys energy during braking and acceleration, while two additional electric motors positioned on the front axle provide all-wheel-drive capability when maximum traction is required.

The combined system output reaches a headline figure of 1,183 bhp, delivering torque vectoring and instant electric boost that transforms the driving dynamics compared to traditional naturally aspirated systems.

"The car feels superpowered yet natural, hyper-alert yet serenely controlled," said an early tester after a day of intensive track running at Misano Circuit.

Chassis Engineering: Race DNA Meets Road Usability

Ferrari's engineers have successfully grafted pure racing concepts into the F80's fundamental architecture. The chassis utilizes a carbon fiber monocoque paired with precision-engineered aluminum subframes, creating an optimal rigidity and weight distribution balance.

The cockpit features an asymmetric design that positions the passenger slightly behind the driver—a deliberate attempt to evoke the focused environment of a single-seater race car while maintaining the practicality expected from a road-going supercar.

Suspension technology represents a significant advancement over conventional systems. The F80 employs inboard suspension components controlled by continuously variable Multimatic dampers that actively adjust ride height and apply precise force to the damper rods for roll control.

This sophisticated system eliminates the need for conventional anti-roll bars while dramatically improving turn-in response and maintaining composure during high-speed cornering maneuvers. The result is unprecedented handling precision without sacrificing ride quality.

Stopping power comes from bespoke Brembo CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brake discs derived directly from motorsport applications. These components are specifically engineered for repeatable, fade-resistant performance during extended high-speed track sessions.

Aerodynamic Excellence: Ground Effect Mastery

Where the F80 truly distinguishes itself from competitors is aerodynamic sophistication. Ferrari claims the car generates up to 1,050 kg of downforce at 155 mph, a remarkable figure that demonstrates how aggressively the vehicle exploits ground effect principles and active aerodynamic surfaces.

The aerodynamic package includes several cutting-edge features: an integrated S-duct for front-end pressure management, a tri-plane front wing for precise airflow control, and an active rear wing capable of 22° of articulation for optimal downforce and drag balance.

Most impressive is the Venturi tunnel system, measuring a colossal 1,800 mm in length—three times longer than LaFerrari's 600 mm tunnel. This extended underbody channel is central to the car's ground effect capabilities and underfloor suction generation.

Real-World Performance: Misano Circuit Testing

During extensive testing at Misano Circuit, the F80 demonstrated remarkable versatility and endurance. After hours of intensive hot laps and cinematographic demonstration runs, the car's thermal management systems worked efficiently to handle the punishing heat loads generated during sustained high-performance operation.

The vehicle's composure under repeated stress particularly impressed observers and test drivers. The F80 can seamlessly overlap braking and turning inputs with a level of stability and precision that feels almost supernatural, suggesting advanced electronic systems working in harmony with the mechanical components.

Cultural Significance: Evolution vs. Tradition

The F80's reception highlights an inevitable tension within Ferrari's enthusiast community. The absence of Ferrari's traditional V12 soundtrack alienates purists who have long equated the brand's flagship models with the distinctive twelve-cylinder musical signature.

However, automotive history provides valuable perspective on such technological transitions. Ferrari's most influential halo cars—including the turbocharged 288 GTO—were considered radical departures when first introduced, only to be revered as classics decades later.

The shift represents Ferrari's pragmatic response to evolving regulatory requirements and market expectations. By embracing hybrid technology while maintaining performance leadership, Ferrari ensures continued relevance in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.

Market Position and Future Implications

The F80 signals Ferrari's clear strategic direction: combining combustion efficiency with electrified power delivery and motorsport-derived knowledge to meet future emissions regulations without compromising performance capabilities.

This approach represents a carefully calculated balance that maintains Ferrari's competitive position while adapting to industry-wide transitions toward sustainable performance technologies.

From collector and investment perspectives, the F80 will likely prove polarizing initially. While its technical brilliance is undeniable, the new acoustic signature and architectural philosophy mark a significant cultural departure from traditional Ferrari values.

Over time, however, this model could achieve the same defining status as legendary Ferrari flagships like the F40 achieved in their respective eras, representing a pivotal moment in automotive evolution.